• 2 Thessalonians 1:8
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 8 ἐν in πυρὶ fire φλογός, of flame, διδόντος of (one) giving ἐκδίκησιν vengeance τοῖς to the (ones) μὴ not εἰδόσι having known θεὸν God καὶ and τοῖς to the (ones) μὴ not ὑπακούουσιν obeying τῷ to the εὐαγγελίῳ good news τοῦ of the κυρίου Lord ἡμῶν of us Ἰησοῦ, of Jesus,

  • 2 Thessalonians Study Notes—Chapter 1
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 1:8

      in a flaming fire: The Scriptures often use “fire” in a figurative sense, as in this verse. In Bible times, fire was the most thorough means of destruction. (De 13:16; Jos 6:24) On occasion, Jesus used the term “fire” in an illustrative way to denote the complete destruction of the wicked.​—Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50; compare Isa 66:15, 24; Mt 25:41.

      vengeance: That is, divine vengeance and judgment. Paul says that “it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation” for the Christians. (2Th 1:6) The Greek word rendered “vengeance” (ek·diʹke·sis) literally means “from justice,” suggesting that the action represents justice achieved. It has also been rendered “meting out justice” or simply “justice.” (Lu 18:7, 8; 21:22 and study note) The Bible shows that God is ultimately responsible for bringing “vengeance” that will result in true justice. (De 32:35, 43; Ps 94:1; Ro 12:19; Heb 10:30) For the vengeance that Paul describes here, God has appointed the Lord Jesus Christ as Chief Executioner.

      those who do not know God: Paul refers to those who willfully decide that they will not develop a relationship with Jehovah and become his friends. In contrast, those who “know God” do more than acknowledge that he exists; they have more than superficial knowledge of him. They take steps to develop a close friendship with him; they know his likes and dislikes. They love him and live by his standards. (1Jo 2:3, 4; 4:8) Those who truly know God have the honor of being “known by him” (1Co 8:3), which means having his approval.​—See study notes on Joh 17:3; Ga 4:9.

      the good news about our Lord Jesus: This expression includes all that Jesus taught, as found in God’s Word. This good news is the basis on which all mankind will be judged. Those who accept and obey the good news will gain salvation; those who “do not obey the good news” will bring destruction on themselves.